Original Text:

I have been a part of an organization called the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) since I started my high school journey. This organization accepts Latino children from both the U.S. and Latin America. We debate topics—based on ongoing social issues—pertaining to the Latino community. I learned so much during my time volunteering and participating with NHI. As a student leader, I dealt with conflicts, both physical and emotional. When participants had concerns about their ability to establish their arguments and questions about debating and its rules, I stepped in. I faced challenges when I was judging a debate and had to write criticisms. I found out who to direct them to if I could not help them personally. I especially realized that I can not do everything by myself as a leader. I recognized when to ask for help from fellow volunteers, coaches, and mentors who led the event when I had questions or problems I needed help resolving. I carried serious responsibility for training students and being in charge of a group of students. I developed deep and impactful relationships with my fellow volunteers and also the participants. Everyone shined in their personalities and skills. I have helped people grow from shy and nervous debaters to strong, confident, and overall better communicators from my position and I saw those skills being displayed in ways outside of debates, in how they carried themselves, talked to people, and when students presented their ideas to fellow participants and coaches. 

I am proud of my impact and work at the National Hispanic Institute. I faced scenarios that were incredibly important to bring into the real world and to apply to myself. I met people from different states and Spanish-speaking countries. Hearing their stories and experiences was ultimately my highlight. Creating solutions and then creating consensus with others who most likely don't share the same values was the purpose. As someone who had to fill in an educator role, it showed me the impact I have on others and myself.

Edited Text:

I have been a part of the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) since the beginning of my high school journey, an organization that brings together Latino students from across the U.S. and Latin America to engage in debates on social issues affecting our community. Through my work as both a participant and student leader, I learned to navigate conflict, guide others, and take responsibility within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

As a leader, I supported participants who struggled to develop arguments or understand the structure and rules of debate. I stepped in to answer questions, mediate tensions, and provide feedback—often in high-pressure situations. While judging debates, I faced the challenge of delivering constructive criticism in a way that encouraged growth. When I did not have the answers, I learned to rely on fellow volunteers, coaches, and mentors, recognizing that effective leadership requires both initiative and collaboration.

Beyond logistics, my role involved mentoring and supporting students on a personal level. I trained participants, ensured their well-being, and built meaningful relationships within my group. Over time, I watched students transform from shy, hesitant speakers into confident communicators. Their growth extended beyond debate, reflected in the way they expressed themselves, engaged with others, and carried their ideas with confidence.

Through my experience with NHI, I gained a deeper understanding of leadership as both influence and responsibility. Collaborating with students from different states and Spanish-speaking countries exposed me to a wide range of perspectives and experiences, strengthening my connection to my own heritage. Working toward solutions and building consensus among individuals with differing values taught me the importance of listening, adaptability, and mutual respect.

This experience showed me the tangible impact I can have on others, and the responsibility that comes with guiding a community toward growth.

Editorial Focus:

• Refined structure to create a clear leadership narrative with progression and reflection

• Strengthened topic sentences to improve clarity and direction

• Reduced repetition and tightened language for concision

• Elevated tone while preserving the student’s authentic voice

• Enhanced transitions between ideas for smoother readability

• Clarified specific examples of leadership and impact